Page 63 of Possess Me

It was the same for the mostly men in his special group. They were all from wealthy, powerful families. Some with criminal pasts. Others from corporations who dabbled with crossing the line. While I’d gleaned most of what I’d learned from a brief internet search and from what Mikhail had told me, there were plenty of rumors about just how powerful they were.

From what I’d been able to decipher about the family, nothing would indicate Pops and Ludolf’s father had run in the same circles, but I’d been very young during my father’s period of control inside Russia. Currently, Ludolf’s father was serving time in a German prison for extortion and money laundering.

That had seemed to add credibility to the group or perhaps instilled fear in others. It was a tactic we’d certainly used before.

Ludolf was smart, savvy, and well connected. Also much like myself and my cousins and brother. Never married with no children, he’d been photographed with dozens of beautiful women from various countries. Much like I’d been as Fallon had discovered. The main difference between the two of us, other than that he was older by several years, was that he hid his ties to various unscrupulous people whereas I had no problem with sharing the fact we still had family ties and power in Moscow.

His friends were shadowy figures, much like his methods of doing business.

This felt very much like some riddle and one I wanted no part of.

The other two men were also well known; Pierre Moreau was from a wealthy Parisian family who’d garnered their fortune through vineyards while Spaniard Emilio Sanchez had close connections with a Spanish cartel. Neither one appeared to have particularly unusual or dangerous backgrounds, but I knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving.

As well as basic actions.

Hoffman approached, a smug look on his face. Perhaps he was mirroring mine.

“Vissarian. Good to see you again. Pierre Moreau and Emilio Sanchez.”

“Yes, I’m aware who you all are.” I shook their hands, nodding to all three men, almost instantly pulling away. While most of the rubble had been removed, there were still remnants from a rock wall fronting a path that led into an overgrown jungle.

“As always, reputations can be egregiously outdated.” Ludolf was enjoying the moment. “I hope you’re enjoying your stay.”

I glanced toward the water. There were too many things about the man that bothered me. “Yes, very nice accommodations.”

“And you saved a dog. News travels fast,” Emilio added. “With a beautiful woman no less.”

“His pilot,” Ludolf told him. What was the point?

I slowly turned my head.

In Pierre’s hand was a rolled-up blueprint. I’d seen the renderings before, the designs already emailed.

“Why don’t we cut to the chase with our meeting,” I suggested. “I’ve looked at the plans and while they appear to be a beautiful representation of a resort and casino, which is certainly something Dmitriyev Enterprises is known for building, you certainly have enough European connections that you don’t need our expertise. So why are you really suggesting the alliance?”

The three men looked at each other, Hoffman obviously amused.

“A man who appreciates getting to the point. I do admire that. Then that is what we will do.” Hoffman wasn’t a man full of gestures. He was cold and calculating, much like every other German I’d encountered over my years of doing business.

I remained quiet, learning a long time ago that silence could often be an excellent weapon if for no other reason than being able to pay attention to nuances. Gestures. Twitches. Body tics. Even changes in breathing habits.

It was interesting that they were all cool cucumbers. They weren’t going to hide who they were.

“We would like an alliance with the Dmitriyev Bratva.” Pierre made the statement.

Perhaps I was expecting a grand gesture of some kind.

“A Bratva on the other side of the world from Moscow. I understand you’re having significant issues with our Russian brothers.”

Ludolf cocked his head. “As expected, your Pakhan is a knowledgeable man.”

“Yes, he is. Which is why I’m curious as to your reasoning for asking me to attend this meeting. Don’t get me wrong, the hospitality is appreciated and seeing the site of the proposed resort is helpful, but it could have been done with aerial shots.”

“Do you understand the power the Bratva wields in Russia and beyond?” Ludolf asked.

I laughed half-heartedly. “I was born in Moscow. I know exactly how powerful they try and portray themselves to be and that they will use any method of criminal activity to get what they want.”

“They are afraid of you.”